Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm today. If you touch down early, there’s much to do in Kathmandu. Maybe head out into the streets of Pashupatinath (home to markets, bazaars, holy men, monks, bicycles and sacred cows), climb to Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine Swayambhunath (also known as the ‘monkey temple’) or enjoy the atmosphere in Durbar Square. After your meeting, the evening is free, so you might like to try out one of Kathmandu’s many restaurants with your new travel companions. ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY IN THE CASE OF FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, leading to flight cancellations and varied on-ground conditions. This means you need to be prepared for possible changes to your itinerary while you’re travelling. Flights between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla are particularly prone to delays. If bad weather prevents fixed-wing aircraft flights from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla, the itinerary will be as follows: Day 2 – We will attempt to fly as planned. If this flight is cancelled, we will return to our hotel in Kathmandu/Ramechhap for an additional night. Day 3 to Day 6 – We will again attempt to fly, but if this flight is cancelled, we will endeavour to charter a helicopter for the group to fly to Lukla. This is reliant on availability of safety audited helicopter operators and that the weather conditions don’t prevent helicopters taking off as well. You will need to use your emergency funds to cover the cost of the chartered helicopter. The exact cost will depend on how many travellers are in your group and could be up to USD 500 per person. It is common practice for helicopter companies to charge varying prices, so you may pay different amounts to others on the flight. If we reach Lukla on Day 6, we will pick up the planned itinerary to Everest Base Camp, with enough time to ascend safely, but we won’t be able to reach Gokyo Lakes. Day 7 – If both fixed-wing planes and helicopters are unable to reach Lukla on Day 6, then on Day 7 we will return to Kathmandu. From there we will trek to Annapurna Basecamp. While this trek doesn’t reach Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Lakes, our travellers have found it a highly enjoyable trek, with scenery of glaciers, mountain pastures and the Himalayas.

Early this morning you’ll board a plane for a quick journey from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827 m). This is no regular flight – you’ll be flying parallel to the giants of the Himalayas and, if the weather’s good, make sure to secure a seat on the left for amazing views of the mountains bordering Nepal and China. Touch down on the airstrip, then it’s time to meet your porters and take some time to warm up with an exploration of the village of Lukla. After a quick safety talk, gear up and begin your trek to Phakding. You’ll descend towards the milky white waters of the Dudh Kosi River, where you’ll join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713 m). The walk is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550 m), it’s only a short walk to Phakding.

Today you’ll trek to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend two nights acclimatising to the altitude – and might even get your first look at Everest itself. From Phakding, you’ll begin to head up the valley. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are bright in bloom. Cross the Dudh Kosi river at Benkar, and look way up above 6,000 metres to see the peaks of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Thamserku (6623m). Press on to Monjo (2835m), a good place to break for lunch. From here the walk starts to get a little tougher, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Enter into the national park, cross the river through the village of Jorsale (2805m) and then continue upstream. Cross the spectarular Hillary Bridge and begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar. Get your camera out as on a clear day you’ll get your first glimpse of the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche. Namche will be your last chance to check your equipment and hire any additional gear for the high altitudes from Dingboche onwards.

You’ll stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so that you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. One of the best ways to do this is to take a strenuous walk up to a high altitude then come back down to sleep. Your optional (but recommended) walk today will take you to see views from the Tenzing Norgay Memorial and Sagarmatha National Park Museum above the village. If the conditions are right, this stunning vista includes a panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. The national park museum is also home to interesting displays about Sherpa lifestyle and culture, and the local flora and fauna. Then, continue your hike to higher elevations with a visit to Sagarmatha Next, who support local communities to create and implement a sustainable waste handling systems in the region. Return to town and enjoy a free rest of your day. Namche gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. There's still a roaring trade in the village centre, so be sure to use this chance to stock up on any extra supplies you might need.

From Namche ascend to the airstrip at Shyanboche, then on to a lunch spot in Khumjung, the largest village in the region. Here you can fill up on dhal bhat, noodles and more, after lunch enter the Khumjung Buddist Monastery. Towering above Khumjung is the sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya (5761 m). It’s the home of the guardian goddess of the region, often depicted in religious paintings (or thangkas) as a white-faced figure on a white horse. The trail winds around Khumbilya's lower slopes, passing through beautiful birch forest and then climbing from treeless, grassy slopes to a stupa on top of a rocky ridge (3992 m). Once again the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent. Phortse can be seen across the valley – a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone walled fields. You’ll stay overnight at the cluster of lodges on the saddle, known as Mongla.

The altitude can make things tough, so be sure to take it easy over the next three day and don’t push yourself too hard. From Mongla, descend on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Bridge. The trail to Gokyo can be deceptive and some can ascend too quickly, but you’ll take your time. Leaving Phortse Bridge, you’ll ascend steeply at first and then contour high above the valley, enjoying excellent views (truly, every view is beyond excellent) of Kantega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam (6856 m). About an hour's walk from Phortse Bridge, you’ll get your first views of the mammoth peak of Cho Oyo (8153 m) at the head of the valley. Trek beyond the tree line and pass some imposing waterfalls on route to the yak herding settlements of Tongba (4015 m) and Gyele (4050 m). From here it’s a short distance to Dole, where you’ll spend the night. You’ll also explore the upper Dole Valley while you’re here, returning via a high ridge above the lodge to take some incredible photos of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922 m) to the north, and Taweche (6542 m) and Cholatse (6440 m) across the valley to the east.

You might come to appreciate the term ‘short walking day’. Today will be just that, with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before a gradual ascent up the Dudh Kosi Valley, high above the river. Though the walk is quite easy you’ll definitely start to feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hill. The barren alpine scenery, with only small clusters of scrub juniper, is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After a couple of hours you’ll arrive at Luza (4360 m), then soon enough you’ll reach the lodge at Machhermo – tonight’s accommodation. If you’re still feeling energetic, then after lunch there’s the option to take an excursion across rocky rubble to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168 m) and Machhermo Peak (6073 m). Watch out for a yeti though – it was spotted here in 1974 when three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl was injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder!

Today you'll need a new word to describe the colour blue after seeing the Gokyo Lakes. A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley on to the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colourful Tibetan snow cocks, often found in this area. The valley widens as you pass through Pangka (4390 m) and on to the jumbled moraines (glacier debris) of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal and the source of the Dudh Kosi River. Climbing steeply over a rocky trail you’ll keep to the western side of the glacier to reach a small lake at the head of a wide valley and then pass a larger lake at Longpongav (4690 m), before following the lateral moraines to the third lake at Gokyo (4750 m). Gokyo has a number of stone dwellings surrounded by stone walled yak pastures. Today’s lodge is located close to the lake and, if there are no clouds around, the sunroom will be lovely and warm in the afternoon. For those feeling energetic, it’s worth ascending to the ridge at the back of Gokyo for views down to the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier.

Get up early for a couple of hours climb up Gokyo Peak, which has one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu region. It’s a straightforward but steep climb, and it can be tiring due to the altitude. View four 8,000 metre-plus peaks – Everest (8848 m), Cho-Oyo (8153 m), Lhotse (8511 m) and Makalu (8481 m) – and spot countless other towering peaks including Gyachung Kang (7922 m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6440 m), Taweche (6542 m) and Kangchung (6103 m). There’s also a bird's eye view of the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier, now cutting halfway across the world and snaking its way down the valley far beneath. You’ll descend back to Gokyo for a late breakfast and then retrace your steps back to the snout of the glacier and continue down the valley back to Machhermo. You might be surprised easily and quickly you’ll cover the return route – that’s acclimatisation!

Not many groups stop in Phortse – a traditional Sherpa village that offers an insight into their life and culture – so today will be something special. A leisurely start to the day will wind you down the valley to Dole, where you’ll enter the forest to continue the descent to Phortse Bridge. Keep an eye open for musk deer, which are often seen on this section of the trail. Here you’ll stop for lunch and then branch off the main trail to Namche, crossing the Dudh Kosi and ascending to the village of Phortse, where few trekkers pass on their Everest trek. The dramatic mountain views, peace and quiet of this village make this one of the highlights of the trek. Here you’ll be almost completely above the treeline, so the sunsets make for perfect pictures.

This morning's walk will take you across a ridge before descending on an exposed trail to the Imja Khola. Keep an eye open for Himalayan tahr, often seen perched precariously on the crags high above the trail. Join the trail coming from Thyangboche via the suspension bridge, then gradually climb to the village of Pangboche, where the peak of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. Have lunch here and then, if it is open, take the opportunity to see the beautiful monastery that once housed (what was claimed as) the hand and scalp of a yeti. After lunch, follow the trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea houses at Orsho, before again crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to a lodge Dingboche. Here you’ll find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls. These walls protect crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest will be hidden behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are more than worthy. If the weather’s right, then there will be gorgeous sunsets illuminating the peaks – Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north and also Island Peak in the centre of the valley.

From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440 m) make for a pretty striking scene as they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119 m) and the snowfields of the Cho La are the kings of the skyline. The walking will now be fairly flat on wide-open fields, but remember that there’s no rush – take your time and ensure you’re well hydrated. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you’ll pass a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years. From here the view is downright spectacular once again, with Pumori (7145 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Khumbutse (6623 m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550 m), surrounding you. Then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuche, arriving early afternoon. No doubt you’ll be tired, but remember tomorrow’s plan – Everest Base Camp.

This is the big one, the day of Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier, with a gradual ascent enabling you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160 m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Now’s the time to grab a quick bite, gear up appropriately and then head off towards Everest Base Camp. The trek can be achieved in around three hours, and if trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May, you’ll almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp you won’t get views of Mount Everest, but you are able to see glorious glaciers, lakes, caves and the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm. The return journey from the Base Camp to Gorak Shep takes the same amount of time. You’ll have an early dinner so that you are able to get up early the next day for awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.

This morning enjoy breakfast at the highest altitude Teahouse in the world. Today you’ll see some of the Himalayas’ most recognisable sights. Make an early start to avoid the early morning clouds and trek to Kala Pattar (5545 m) to witness the best views of Everest. The ascent is quite steep and made more difficult because of the altitude, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori, and Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest – they’re all here. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Spend as long as you like to savour an extra special moment, then it’s all downhill from here – the descent to Gorak Shep is easy and when you arrive back at the lodge you’ll have a quick drink and head off to the rooms to pack your kit bags while breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where you’ll stop for lunch. Then cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche, where you’ll stop for the night. Trek Distance: 4 Kilometres Trek duration: Approximately 3 hours Gorakshep – Pheriche (4240m / 13911ft) : Trek Distance: 12 Kilometres Trek duration: Approximately 5 - 6 hours

Weather permitting, take the short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu this morning. Return to your accommodation and then enjoy some free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. Located in the south of the city, Patan is also worth a visit with its own Durbar Square full of historic structures and statues of past kings. This evening it’s time to celebrate with an included dinner, while you relax your weary legs with your travelling companions and newfound friends.

Say ‘dhanyabad’ for memories that’ll last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.